The past few months have brought many changes worldwide. Due to the coronavirus crisis, more people are working from home, and for many companies, this appears to be a permanent shift. However, many people struggle to maintain a correct working posture while working from home, even though proper sitting posture can significantly boost productivity and prevent numerous visits to the physiotherapist!
A proper work environment starts with a comfortable chair. However, in recent years, there have been many trends regarding what is considered the best seating option for work. Sitting on an office chair is no longer the default choice; alternatives such as a saddle stool, a fitness ball, a sit-stand stool, or a kneeling chair have gained popularity.
At Zengrowth, we have noticed that kneeling chairs, in particular, have attracted a lot of attention from home workers. And rightly so, as kneeling chairs offer many benefits. But is a kneeling chair suitable for everyone? Not necessarily. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about kneeling chairs before purchasing one!
Table of Contents
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What is a kneeling chair?
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The benefits of a kneeling chair
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When and how to use a kneeling chair
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How to buy a good kneeling chair
What is a Kneeling Chair?
A few years ago, kneeling chairs were a common sight in offices. They were thought to be the ultimate solution to the many back problems experienced by office workers worldwide.
The idea behind this somewhat unusual design is that it encourages a neutral spine position, with the buttocks and thighs supported by one cushion and the knees and shins supported by another. This "kneeling" posture helps users sit upright, aligning the back, shoulders, and neck properly. Additionally, this posture allows for deeper breathing, which increases oxygen levels in the body and enhances concentration.
Due to its ergonomic benefits, a kneeling chair is often recommended as a preventive measure against lower back pain.
The Benefits of a Kneeling Chair
Opinions are divided on whether kneeling chairs are truly "good for you." However, most users report positive experiences, and several benefits of kneeling chairs are supported by scientific research:
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Prevents spinal compression: A 2008 study (J. Bettany-Saltikov, J. Warren, M. Jobson) confirmed that ergonomically designed kneeling chairs with a tilt angle of more than 20 degrees support the spine better than standard office chairs.
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Encourages forward pelvic tilt and active sitting: This study also showed that when the seat of a chair tilts forward, it becomes easier to maintain an active sitting posture. Passive sitting is almost impossible.
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Helps prevent lower back pain: A study by Bennett, D. L., et al. found that a kneeling chair allows the body to sit in a more natural position, which may help alleviate back pain.
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Improves blood circulation: An experiment by Lander, et al. comparing a standard office chair to a kneeling chair found evidence that a kneeling chair can promote increased blood circulation.
When and How to Use a Kneeling Chair
Now that we know the benefits of a kneeling chair, it's important to understand that it is not suitable for everyone or every situation.
When Should You Use a Kneeling Chair?
A kneeling chair is best suited for tasks that do not require prolonged sitting and involve reaching forward, such as writing, drawing, or sewing.
Sitting on a kneeling chair for extended periods can become uncomfortable, as it increases pressure on the kneecaps. This can be particularly noticeable for taller individuals, who may feel reduced blood circulation in their legs.
The greatest benefits of a kneeling chair come from alternating its use with a regular office chair, a saddle stool, or a standing desk.
Initially, sitting on a kneeling chair may feel uncomfortable as the body adapts to the new sitting position. It's completely normal to experience some stiffness or even mild muscle soreness at first.
How to Sit Properly on a Kneeling Chair?
When using a kneeling chair, most of your body weight will be supported by the lower body. The knee cushion protects your shins and knees.
Be mindful of the weight capacity of the kneeling chair. If the weight limit is exceeded, pressure on the knees and shins can increase, making the chair uncomfortable to use.
Additionally, it is important to change positions throughout the day. Here are some variations:
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Place your right knee on the knee cushion and extend your left foot flat on the ground.
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Place your left knee on the knee cushion and extend your right foot flat on the ground.
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Stretch both legs and place your feet flat on the ground.
Regularly switch between the kneeling chair, a standard office chair, a saddle stool, or a fitness ball. Kneeling chairs provide the most benefits when used intermittently rather than for the entire day.
How to Buy a Good Kneeling Chair?
Just like office chairs, the price of a kneeling chair can vary significantly, ranging from €60 to over €250. Naturally, quality differs as well. When purchasing a kneeling chair, consider the following factors:
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Quality of the knee and seat cushions
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Adjustability
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Type of mechanism
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Whether or not to choose a backrest
Quality of the Knee and Seat Cushions
The quality of a kneeling chair's cushions depends on several factors, including foam thickness, foam quality, and upholstery material.
Foam Thickness: A thicker cushion does not necessarily mean better quality or comfort. While thickness is important, the quality of the foam is a more significant factor. Unfortunately, there are no standard indicators for foam quality, so price and warranty often serve as the best guides.
Upholstery: Kneeling chair upholstery typically comes in three materials:
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PVC Vinyl Leather – Generally considered a cheaper option, as it feels less comfortable and is less durable.
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PU Leather – A slightly more expensive and luxurious option. It is more environmentally friendly since no chlorine is used in production. PU leather is also easier to clean and softer than PVC vinyl, though quality varies widely.
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Fabric Upholstery – Feels warmer than synthetic leather (PVC or PU), but is harder to clean and more prone to snags.
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Adjustability
Since every person is different, it is beneficial to adjust a kneeling chair to individual preferences. Some models allow for knee rest adjustment, seat height adjustment, or seat tilt adjustment. Some also feature a rocking mechanism for automatic angle adjustments. When purchasing a kneeling chair, consider which features are most important to you.
Type of Mechanism/Frame
Generally, there are two types of kneeling chairs:
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Rocking Kneeling Chairs – These allow for dynamic movement by adjusting the seat angle.
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Kneeling Chairs with Wheels – These make it easier to move from one place to another.
Typically, wheeled kneeling chairs are more affordable than rocking models.
Backrest or No Backrest?
A backrest is not essential for a kneeling chair. The natural posture encouraged by a kneeling chair helps keep the back straight without additional support.
However, some users may not have strong enough back muscles to maintain an upright posture comfortably for extended periods. In such cases, a backrest can provide extra support.
That said, since kneeling chairs are best used intermittently, the need for a backrest is minimal compared to traditional office chairs.
We hope this article has helped in your search for a kneeling chair! Check out our website for all the kneeling chairs we offer at an excellent price-to-quality ratio.
